Whatever we put our intense focus upon increases our belief that the experience exists. 'What you think about you bring about.' 'Thought creates form.' [reference]
The word and meaning of belief is a topic unto its own. For this discussion, however, I boldly assert that belief is so powerful that one can believe itself right out of existence.
How's that?
The best example is Atheism, the belief in no deities.
Many atheists believe in nothing eternal. When life is over it's over. You're dead. You're nothing. As limiting as that sounds, it's what they believe; it's how they see the world, and act upon it. To them, it is real.
Of course not all atheists "believe" the above statement is accurate. Nevertheless, those who call themselves atheists, wearing it like a badge, I find equally as obnoxious as any other extreme. The views they share vary, making sense, since it is still just another belief. It holds no value, no proof, no reason, except to the individual believing it. Not believing is equal to any other type of belief --with one striking difference.
The difference between atheists and non atheists is the certainty of nothingness in the future for the Self; a finite existence.
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| Muggles |
Like Muggles (non-magic folk) who don't believe in magic, so are atheists doomed to their own fate: a finite existence. Wizards and witches, like believers in faith, have magic-like abilities. They believe in eternity; in unlimited creative potential to problem-solve. Infinite existence. Life everlasting. It's what they believe and how they act upon the world. (Of course not ALL believers would agree with the my analogy.)
To those who believe in nothingness I say, "Yes, I think you are right. For you there is, and will be forever and ever, nothing". Even if you don't think you believe in anything, those non-beliefs are so powerful you could believe yourself right out of existence. It's your view of the world, and how you act upon it.
Crazy? From a 'survival of the fittest' Social Darwinist (Herbert Spencer) view, it is in humanity's best interest for the weaker of the species to die off; to not procreate, reincarnate, regenerate... It's like waiting for those Grand Old Party (GOP) folks to kick it, so we can start building a better life on Earth for all Humanity. They won't live forever because their proclaimed faith is null and void.
Moral of the story: Belief is a choice. We have freewill to do as we please; to think as we like. However, every choice has a consequence, an outcome.
Living life believing that it is finite is a limiting perception; likely, not the most evolved way to live.
Interdependence on a belief system that provides structure, hope and everlasting life... well that's something worth believing. Belief has value, longevity, and it demonstrates its power through those who knowingly use it.
I suppose the only real "rub" is with respect for what to believe...? For me, that is a personal matter; a life journey. A choice so powerful, It creates the future.
Assertion: To say you believe in nothingness is still saying you believe in something. One belief is superior to the other --depending on your value for spiritual longevity.
Related post: Intent of Discussion on Belief
